How well will Mike Pouncey fill his brother's role?

When Florida's Mike Pouncey decided to return for his senior season, while his twin brother chose to leave early for the NFL, Mike said his goal was to become the nation's best center next season.

Having played multiple roles on the offensive line - and on the defense line as a freshman - Pouncey has some big shoes to fill. His brother Maurkice won the Rimington Award last season as the nation's top center and was a first round draft pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in last weekend's NFL draft.

But UF offensive coordinator Steve Addazio said Thursday that Mike Pouncey has a chance to be even better than his brother.

"I think that Mike maybe can even be better,'' Addazio said during the SEC coaches spring conference call. "He's got another year and obviously with another year, especially at that position you can really continue your development. He's, in my opinion, the best offensive lineman in America. He's tough, he's physical, he's smart, he's a leader. He's played guard, he's played center, he's played tackle this spring. So he's going to have an opportunity to play all three positions, probably enter (the fall) as starting center but certainly can play all three spots. His versatility is incredible. So I see no reason why with what I see, in normal progression, that he can even take it a step further.''

Addazio continues to play dual roles this offseason as offensive coordinator, while assuming many of the head coaching duties. Florida coach Urban Meyer took time off after national signing day, returned for spring practice, and is now taking more time away from football duties to concentrate on his health and family.

Addazio is making the Gator Club appearances this spring, and took Meyer's 10-minute slot on Thursday's conference call. He said Meyer is "doing great", but did not offer any hint of when Meyer would resume his full-time duties. When asked if Meyer would attend the annual SEC spring meetings in Destin at the end of May, Addazio responded: "I don't have any idea, I don't know that.''

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Florida Gators fans, welcome to the Gator Report for all your news about Gators football, basketball and all UF sports. It's written by University of Florida beat writer Antonya English and the staff of the Tampa Bay Times. We invite your comments and participation.